Mbabane: The Ministry of Health on Tuesday reported an alarming total number of nineteen (19) COVID-19 deaths and 256 new confirmed cases.
According to the latest updates by the Minister of Health, the number of deaths in the country have surpassed the 400 mark to reach 403. The new fatalities comprised of eight (8) males and 11 females. Eight (8) of this deaths were from the Hhohho region which has been noted to be the new epicentre of the pandemic in the country. Manzini region recorded has four (4) deaths, while Lubombo region recorded one (1) death and Shiselweni recorded an alarming six (6) deaths.
The total number of new confirmed cases has also increased rapidly as the total now stands at 13 443. The number of cases is increasing at an alarming rate as Hhohho region now stands at 5 745 cases in total. Manzini region has recorded 5 451 cases while Lubombo and Shiselweni region has recorded 1 234 and 1 013 cases respectively.
The number of people who have recuperated from the virus now stands at 8 512 and this makes the number of active cases to stand at 4 272.
The Minister reminded all EmaSwati to stay strong and fight COVID-19 by strictly adhering to all precautionary measures:
1. Wear a mask consistently and correctly. This protects others from getting infected, which eventually protects you as an individual.
2. Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands. Keeping the hands clean is essential because hands carrying the coronavirus easily transmit the virus into the body when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
3. Watch your distance by making sure that you keep at least 1 metre away from another person. The greater the distance, the less the chances of getting infected by an infectious person.
4. Avoid the “Three Cs”:
a. Closed spaces with poor ventilation,
b. Crowded places with many people near each other and
c. Close-contact settings such as close-range conversations.
A combination of these 3 Cs, results in a high transmission of the virus.
5. Opt for the outdoors, this is always better than indoors. Should there be a need to hold a function, it should be in line with COVID-19 regulations.
Those with symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention immediately at their nearest health facility.
Isolation of those confirmed with COVID-19 infection is key to stopping further transmission of the virus. Stay home and self-isolate once you have been swabbed, especially if you have symptoms of flu such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover.
Discussion about this post